Palanka City takes rematch

Palanka City turned the tables on frequent rival Rated Fiesty in the $50,000 Spring Fever at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, when she rallied for a 1 1/2-length win over that rival in the 5 1/2-furlong race for fillies and mares. It was another 3 3/4 lengths back in third to Temple Street.

Palanka City was the 6-5 favorite in the Spring Fever, one race after she was beaten a head by Rated Fiesty in the $50,000 American Beauty. The fillies put in a spirited duel in that race, and again met inside the final furlong on Saturday.

Palanka City ($4.40) settled in fourth early in the Spring Fever, as Magnetic Miss and Sentebale dueled through fractions of 22.36 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.83 for the half-mile. Rated Fiesty moved to the lead past the quarter pole and took the field into the stretch. Palanka City angled out and ran down the leader in the later stages. Palanka City covered the distance on a track rated fast in 1:04.98.

Chris Emigh rode the winner for trainer Terry Gestes.

Palanka City earned $30,000 for the win, which was her seventh from 16 career starts. She has now earned $265,295. Palanka City, a 4-year-old by Carson City, races for William Stiritz.